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Not Feeling Well After Stenting (2006 archive)
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Archived Postings from 2006 on This Page (114): • Hi Folks, This is a warm hello from the island
of Barbados, Caribbean. I had a cypher drug eluting stent placed in the
right decending artery in April 2003, felt good from that time on, I am
on sotalol 80 mg twice a day, zestril 10 mgs, asprin 85 mgs, liptor 10
mgs....I also take vitamin B-6, B-12, Folic acid 400 mgs, Vitamin E 400mgs,
Co-Q10, vitamin C. I have found that since I been taking this vitamins
that my energy levels have increase. • RE to
Chris in UK: "It seems that there is a need to rebuild confidence
in the ability to return to a normal life." In the States, most insurers
including Medicare, pay for Cardiac Rehab Phase II after MI, stenting,
CABG etc. This is typically a 6-10 week program offered by most hospitals.
It consists of 3 weekly one-hour supervised, cardiac-monitored exercise
sessions plus education such as dietary and stress management counseling.
Increase in exercise tolerance is recorded and graphed so you can follow
your progress. Although "the plumbing has been opened up", this program
is overseen by a cardiologist and usually staffed with highly experienced
and dedicated cardiac RNs and Exercise Physiologists, so a participant
can quickly rebuild their confidence. After the initial 10 weeks, many
programs offer a self-pay program called Phase III which is the same,
but without the continuous cardiac monitoring. This allows the group
support built with the other patients to continue. • my husband had 1 stent put in on July 25, 2006.
he came out feeling ok. still had chest pain, massive headaches then kept
complaining doctors kept thinking he was depressed. august 26 1 month later
they went through the catheterization and placed 3 more stents in. we thought
well this will help now. it now has been 5 months still not back to work
has massive headaches and just feels lousy. the doctor went in again with
the catheterization and found nothing wrong sent him to a neurologist they
send him for sleep study maybe the headaches are caused by not getting
enough sleep. they also send him for an upper GI maybe the chest pain is
heartburn! then they put him on sleeping pills not one but 2. then give
him pills for heartburn,because maybe all of the medications he is on is
giving him the "chest pains". he spends 3 days a week at the doctors office
at 49. the stents as far as we are concerned have not made him feel any
better. he smoked 2 packs of butts a day hasn't touched one since. he eats
right and is doing all the right stuff and i can't believe he hasn't said
screw it. • I HAD A MAJOR HEART ATTACK IN 1990 AT AGE 44,
LOST 40% OF MY HEART -- 35 %EF. MADE IT TILL 2004 AND NEEDED 2 DRUG ELUTING
STENTS AND A EF OF 31 % , TILL 2006 AND 3 MORE ELUTING STENTS AND A DEFIBRILLATOR
, EF OF 21 % , NOW CLASS 3 HEART FAILURE , THERE ARE 4 CLASSES , ASK LOTS
OF QUESTIONS FROM YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE TO DUCT TAPE HIM TO A CHAIR ,
MAJOR PROBLEM NOW LIGHTHEADED , MAY BE MEDICINE , MAY BE LACK OF OXYGEN
, I WALK 2 MILES A DAY AND I AM POOPED, I TAKE 25MG ATENNOL , 05 LICINOPRIL
, 40 MG LIPITOR , 75 MG PLAVIX , A 325 ASPIRIN , 10MG ZETIA • On September 21, 2006. My husband had a 99% blockage
on this right coronary artery. He had pain in the chest and neck for 1
month. When he picked up our 1 year old baby, he feels out of breath, if
he walks up the hill to get home, he feels out of breath. One day at work,
during a meal, he felt dizzy and sweated profusely, which was the ultimate
eye opener to visit the doctor for the first time in his life because he
always believed that he can't get sick. On that day, something as simple
as an ekg showed something abnormal, to make a long story short, 3 medicated
stents were implanted in his right coronary artery. He ended up coming
home, then follow up with his cardiologist 9 days after, but he had to
return to the emergency room 2 weeks after due to discomfort in the chest
again, but an angiogram proves that blood was flowing correctly. He was
put on plavix, zocor, aspirin, metropolol and lisinopril. He's age 40,
5'6'' and has been small built all his life, about 150lbs. His blood pressure
was always normal or low even minutes before the stents were implanted.
However, he has high cholesterol, ldl 175, hdl 35. It's been about 10 weeks
now since the stents and he has improved a lot, but he now experience some
pinching sensation in the middle of the left chest. I was wondering if
anyone has this sort of problem? We'll be buying a treadmill this week,
and will be making an appointment with our cardiologist to confirm that
all is well. This forum is very informative and I'm happy that people can
come here and share their life's experience so other can see that they're
not alone. God bless you all and your love ones. Best of health. • Had mild/moderate MI on October 30 (while visiting
in-laws in Rochester, MN, so I was treated at Mayo) and angiogram the following
morning. One Cordis DE stent placed. So far, so good. Out walking 45-55
minutes 5x/week and start cardiac rehab tomorrow. Anyway, this morning
I noticed that when taking a deep yawn or a deep breath, I get a relatively
sharp pain in my chest that goes away immediately upon exhale. Someone
else mentioned this sort of symptom below, but I otherwise haven't seen
it discussed. Otherwise I feel fine. Is this likely related to the stent,
or is it likely something else? The only diagnosis I've found on the 'Net
consistent with this symptom is pleurisy. • My experience is very similar
to Mike's. I even got my three stents fitted on the same day -- 21 August
2006. I was very anxious for the first few weeks after the procedure because
I felt worse than before. I had assumed that because stents open up the
arteries the benefits would be immediate, and no one had told me otherwise.
I was getting daily chest pain, tingling in my left arm and pains on the
left side of my neck. Three months later and I now feel much better. I
cycle/train commute to work most days to get some exercise. I occasionally
get some slight discomfort in my chest at rest but that is now very rare
and not painful. It usually happens when I'm tired. I'm taking aspirin,
Plavix, Lipitor, Ramipril and Bisoprolol. I now believe that some of the
feelings I had shortly after the procedure were psychosomatic, which surprises
me because I have always considered myself immune to that. It seems that
there is a need to rebuild confidence in the ability to return to a normal
life. Either that or it has taken a while for me to adjust to the medication.
This forum has been a great help and helped me reduce my anxiety, so thank
you for this wonderful resource. I only wish my cardiologist had prepared
me better for the recovery period after stenting. • I had 2 drug-eluting stents to LAD 21st august
2006, had chest, left arm and neck pain during and after stenting along
with a need to yawn for long periods and take deep breaths. I also felt
nauseous and dizzy. The pain got so bad that I was re-admitted a week later
and another angiogram showed the stents and blood flow were fine, the cardiologist
said that I may have stretch pains of some sort. I started light to moderate
exercise a few weeks later and although I would have these pains at rest
they did not get any worse with the exercise, I found that periods of rest
seemed to help some. 3 months later the pains, breathing, dizziness and
nausea problems have all but gone I just get the odd reminder now and then.
I guess that sometimes these things take time to heal. I take atenolol,
lipitor, plavix, aspirin and a ppi daily. I found your forum a great comfort
during the last few months, thanks and keep up the good work. • I'm 41, had emergency procedure done to stop heart
attack in the artery refered to as "the widow-maker". 2 stents were placed.
I feel great, four weeks have passed. By the way,I feel great !!! • Karen from South Carolina -- this Forum is called "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting" and you seem to be feeling very well
indeed! One reason to "take it easy" is to let the femoral puncture
site heal, so you don't get bleeding from it. But if you are feeling ok,
that's great. Not a bad idea to err on the side of caution though. As for
post-hospital follow-up, ask your doctor if he/she has recommendations.
There are usually support groups and rehab exercise programs designed specifically
for heart patients. Always good to share feelings, stories, ideas. Good
luck and let us know how things are going. And remember to stay on your
Plavix and aspirin! • I've had 7 stents put in me since 2004, and i
haven't felt much better since that time. I had 2 put in 2004, and 2 early
2005, and 3 more in mid 2006... i hope that my cardiologist sees to me
soon. as he has ordered more MRAs for me and hopefully he can find some
answers soon.... thank everyone for listening and participating in these
forums.. Keep up the good work... • I had two stents put in my right artery Oct 17,
was released from the hospital Oct 18 and am not sure as to what take it
easy means. I have been doing housework (dishes, laundry, vacuuming, etc.)
and mowed the grass on the 20th (riding mower) and I feel fine. My husband
says that I'm not supposed to be doing this stuff for a couple of weeks
at least until I see my Dr for followup. What is the norm for getting back
into life and where do I find After hospital info? • I suffered from what I thought was post-stent
pain - it came and went quickly - like a wave passing over the chest -
sometimes even at rest - treadmill test was inconclusive. Second angiogram
showed a 'flap' in RCA - probably where the plaque had torn away from the
artery wall pulling the lining with it. Had a second angioplasty with Taxus
DES and no chest pain since. Still have some discomfort in the neck (even
at rest) but I'm thinking this may be a side effect of the Lipitor. Anyone
else had neck aches like this ? It's more discomfort than pain but definitely
not normal. • The medical device community should begin to harvest
data from the Electronic Medical Records of cardiology practices. Patient
complaints not serious enough to result in an ER/ED visit would probably
appear in the next post-intervention office visit. While PCI/stent data
harvest would not be a blinded, randomized study, any significant patterns
could still be recognized and pursued. • Linda -- some posters here have reported these
types of feelings post-stenting as the body adjusts to the procedure and
the new flow of blood. As we always recommend, if you have any concerns,
by all means directly contact the interventional cardiologist with questions. • My mother just had a stent put in on Oct 13, after
going in for angiogram. She is at home and says there is a pressure in
the middle of her chest. Not a pain, but a consistent discomfort? Is this
something we should be alarmed with. Her right artery is 100% blocked and
now the left one is open 90%? • Thanks for the heads up C. -- there have been so many articles on this subject, we missed this one. We've placed a link to the Miami Herald article on our own coverage of the Cardiosource editorial, which we titled "Drug-Eluting Stents: More Dangerous Than Spinach?". The Maimi Herald article is a good balanced piece with commentary from several sides. There's one factual error, which we'd like to point out. The article states:
That's not exactly the way it works. It's not so much that the drug-coating delays problems, but that it is creating a new one. Drug-coated stents work in that they lower the incidence of restenosis (reclosure of the artery from plaque -- which is literally a recurrence of the stenosis). They do this very well and for the long term. The recurrence rate has stayed very low two, three and four years out. Thrombosis is a different mechanism -- it's a blood clot formed when
blood platelets "sense" a foreign body and start to congregate
around it. The drug-coating doesn't wear off the stent and that may be
part of the problem. The drug-eluting coating reduces the buildup of
plaque, but in some patients it may retard the healing process that covers
the stent with endothelial cells and "hides" it from the platelets.
The result is an increased risk of clots. That is why longer term antiplatelet
therapy (Plavix and aspirin) is very important, until the healing is
completed. That is a time period that is being discussed right now and
we're sure that the FDA will recommend lengthening it significantly from
the current 3-6 months. • Miami Herald had a news article on Stents Friday
10/13/06 go to miamiherald.com • hi i had 2 non-coated
stents put in after heart attack in 2003, i then re blocked in 2004,
then had 2 coated stents put in next to non-coated stents but when the
weather goes cold, i still get angina pains in chest and between shoulder
blades,is this normal? doctor says it's in my mind ? but can you create
pain in your mind? i dont think so (what do you think) • I have had angioplasty twice in two years for
a 95% blocked artery ,branch of circumflex. The first angio reduced it
to 40% blocked , not good enough to allow me to regain my Airline pilot's
licence, however one year later and a second drug eluting stent and I
have a clean bill of health. Noticeable side effects. 1. Statins cause
muscle damage and burning sensation for certain. Cut the dose or switch
brands, it takes about 2 weeks for the stuff to work its way out of your
system. I went from 40 Simvastatin to 10 Lipitor with noticeable improvement
and slightly higher chol . levels (2.8 to 3.3) Non statin Chol. level
6.0 family history. 2. After one year off Plavix, felt generally very
well but when stopped taking it had palpitations, tiredness, muscular
pain,continued discomfort sleeping on side, raised blood pressure.This
has gradually diminished over 4 weeks. 3. Stress ECG normal, the problem
that concerns me are restenosis or a clot since stopping Plavix. 4. Angioplasty
is still a much better option than being opened up for a bypass, so keep
posting with your experiences. I find it encouraging and helpful to hear
first hand accounts, rather than bland dismissals from GPs. Good luck
to all in this forum. • Mild MI in August 05, placed 4 stents that night,
and one more a month later. I take Plavix, 81 mg aspirin, Toprol XL and
Digoxin (the latter for a mild AF condition), and Vytorin. I have been
taking the Toprol and Digoxin for ten years. I feel pretty good most
of the time. When I don't, I either have or imagine fleeting chest pains
and discomfort (5 mins duration, unrelated to stress or exercise) which
I have decided is mostly PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). I have
come to believe that PTSD is a major factor after MI and any treatment.
It's all in the head ... ha ha ... but the good news, it's manageable
and treatable, too. My doctor told me that he'd prescribe me Plavix for
life before we did the first angio, he has always been very aware of
the thrombosis issue and he stresses med compliance every time I talk
to him. And I comply. I like and trust my doctor, I have some of the
best cath labs in the world right here in the neighborhood, I have tons
of information, I haven't smoked since an hour before the MI last year
and I work on reducing stress. My one problem is diet and I am always
fighting the cholesterol numbers. I love to eat everything that is not
recommended. But I am working on it. Huge thanks to everyone who share
their stories here. It is a great resource. • Phyllis from Pittsburgh -- thank you for sharing
your experience with the Forum. It is amazing that only a couple decades
ago, a heart attack was something extremely difficult to ever recover
from -- yet today, a balloon and a stent can literally stop the heart
attack in its tracks. If you're a history buff (I am) you might be interested
in this video clip on
our site of Dr. Geoffrey Hartzler talking about the first time he used
angioplasty during a heart attack (he was the first) in 1980. (You'll
need RealPlayer to view it.) And Eileen from ther UK, thank you as well
for your update -- it's great when posters come back and let everyone
know how things have changed over time -- especially in this topic! We
also appreciate your good comments about the value of The Forum. As for
chest pains, it has been reported that women, in particular, often present
with chest pain somewhat differently than men and this is something the
ER and other front line doctors are learning more and more. We agree,
pursue! • Update,
after heart attack and from stenting in Feb. Felt so unwell after
the procedure and eventually was diagnosed with Pericarditis(this from
Cardiologist about 6 months after op.) Never thought gastric reflux
was the problem so was relieved that I had at last been given a diagnosis!
Now October and beginning to feel 'normal' again. Back on 60mg slow
release Nitrates and Slozem plus Candesartan and Aspirin.so in a way,
back to square one (prior to surgery). At least I can cope with 'normal'
life-unable to do too much and brisk walking a definite 'no no' but
still here and grateful for it. Seeing Cardiologist again Jan 08. Thoughts....if
your chest feels like a parrot cage and you have sharp pains chest,
shoulder etc. It is not Gastric..don't be put off by GP....pursue.
It's your body and you know it better than anybody else...Hope you
all get on well. So grateful for this page, it really kept my head
above water so to speak... • I had a bare metal stent inserted August 18,
2006 during an acute MI. The first three days I was weak and dizzy but
most of that was from not being able to sleep in the hospital. A straight
eight hours does wonders. Once my primary took me off the beta blockers
and ACE inhibitors (within the first week) which he said I did not need
I felt right as rain and have been ever since. Right now I only take
Plavix and an 81mg aspirin per day and feel great • Rick, exactly! The phenomenon is called "in-stent
restenosis". Sometimes, they also may put another stent inside of
the first, if they feel that will be beneficial. This is officially "off
label", but studies have been presented that this works well, better
in fact than brachytherapy (done via a radiation catheter) which was
thought to be a very good treatment for "in-stent restenosis",
but has turned out not to be that efficacious. Both manufacturers have
dropped production of bracytherapy catheters. • Thanks for the prompt reply..since stents cannot
re "replaced" what happens if there is a restenosis in the area where
there is a stent in place-do they perhaps go in and re-open the same
stent with a balloon? • Hi Rick -- first off, stents can't be "replaced" --
they are pressed against the arterial wall and relatively quickly become
embedded in it. If someone is definitely having hypersensitivity reactions,
and that first needs to be determined by eliminating other possible causes,
then it's possible to treat the patient for short periods with steroids
to relieve the symptoms -- although they'll return when the steroids
are stopped. It's thought (and by that I would indicate that research
is ongoing) that the current polymers do seem to start breaking down
after a year or two. We're working on a piece about this problem and
should have more info on it soon. The number of people who are hypersensitive
seems to be very small, but the problem for them is very large. The good
news is that newer drug-coated stents are being tested that either have
bioabsorbable polymers which disappear after six months, leaving a bare
metal stent, or have no polymers at all. • OK in your words "there is the possibility of
a hypersensitive or allergic reaction to the drug-eluting stent -- there
is increasing evidence that some people are hypersensitive to the polymer-coating
of the drug-eluting stent and the reactions range from fever to fatigue
to rashes.".......what can one do about it if the stents are already
placed....can they be removed and substituted with other non-drug eluting
stents?.....In general once a stent is placed can it be replaced? • To all -- check out the related topics on the right. Not feeling well after stenting could be due to many different things. Allergies to one or more medications is a possibility. This can be determined by withdrawing the patient from a drug, one at a time to see if symptoms go away. This, however, should only be done under the care of your interventional cardiologist (going off antiplatelet medication can be dangerous and can cause thrombosis). There is always a possibility that the stent did not address all the patient's problems, or that the artery is getting re-blocked. These causes can usually be eliminated with further testing -- a functional test, such as a stress test, possibly with thallium or technetium, can often show if there is ischemia (low oxygen delivery) which would indicate incomplete revascularization of the blocked artery(s). If tests have eliminated causes for your symptoms,
and your clinical profile shows no reason for you still to be experiencing
them, and if you are skeptical that these symptoms are "all in your
head", then there is the possibility of a hypersensitive or allergic
reaction to the drug-eluting stent -- there is increasing evidence that
some people are hypersensitive to the polymer-coating of the drug-eluting
stent and the reactions range from fever to fatigue to rashes. We'll
be posting more on this topic soon, so stay tuned (and register
for our newsletter to keep abreast of the latest developments). • Wow! I've read the series of posts and have
experienced many of the effects described. I had two medicated stents
placed in March 2005 and have various unexplained symptoms since then:
phantom angina, fluttering heart rate, shortness of breath, numbness
and tingling in limbs/extremities, burning sensation in chest. I frequently
have problems post exercise, also described by many others. I have been
catheterized twice to examine the condition of my Stents and I've had
two follow-up stress tests and been given the all clear every time. I've
been told it's "in my head". And yet here it is, a very large population
of people with the same symptoms and a medical community not listening
carefully enough. • Hi Guys I ended up in this website because of
problems my husband is having after his angioplasty. Firstly my husband
is 42. First fell ill on August 5. Since then he has been bed ridden
and had angio with three stents - (one blockage was 90%) on August 28th.
He was rushed back into ER one week later suffering with Chest pains
and breathing problems. The doctors did another Angiogram and concluded
that the stents were fine. They indicated having an angiogram and angioplasty
in such a short space of time was causing hypersentivity and eventually
anxiety attacks. To date my husband is still on bed 80% of the time,
cannot exert himself because immediately the breathing problems start.
Does this problem go away and how soon? • Hello I'm 56 years old Diabetic I went in for
a stress test 6 weeks ago 08/2006 and passed it but since I'm diabetic
the doctor wanted to check inside for any blockage and he found two arteries
90% blocked on the right side. Installed two Taxus Express2 stents, since
then my mind is driving me crazy with any little discomfort I feel, I
changed my diet and lost 8 lbs in four weeks but now I have gas and belching
and feel Dizzy at times and always take gas-x because of minor chest
discomfort. Walk three blocks quickly every day! Any one having the same
symptoms? • I had two stents put in a year ago because of
a 95% blocked artery. I feel fine, except when I go for a walk, or try
to walk on a treadmill, I STILL have angina! I was told that I was ok
and should not still be having this. Is this normal or not? Should I
have another angioplasty done to see what's wrong? • My husband had a bypass surgery done about
10 yrs back and he was experiencing a slight chest pain when he walks
fast or exercising . His stress test was negative. but he developed blood
pressure and started getting the same pain after about 8 mins. Angiogram
test indicated that one of the vessels was 95% blocked. Two drug coated
stents were inserted and the surgeon checked all the previous bypassed
vessels and he confirmed that they were functioning well. After about
1 week after the Angioplasty he says he gets the same feeling when he
walks fast. Now we have stopped exercising. Could it be something else
? Appreciate your advice. • Is it typical for an 83 year young woman to
still be somewhat weak and a little dizzy 3 days after 4 stents were
placed in her coronary arteries? • Raza -- as you can read in this topic, a number
of patients don't get that total change of health feeling post-stenting.
This is a very complex topic. Chest pains, specifically, after stenting
are of concern and should be investigated, if only to rule out any problems
with the stent. While there are a number of tests that can be given to
see if there's any problem, cardiologists often decide to take the patient
back into the cath lab for an angiogram, the best current way to visualize
a stent, and if there's a problem, it's possible to fix it during the
angiogram procedure. Occasionaly, if the technology is available, a cardiologist
can even use a miniature "intravascular
ultrasound" camera to get a close-up view. You mention
you had complications during the first procedure. Without knowing what
they were, we urge you to discuss your concerns and fears with your cardiologist,
so he/she can explain the details. There are non- invasive imaging tests
(such as a Cardiac CT angiogram) that only take minutes, but they don't
have the capability of seeing enough detail in the stent itself to assess
if it's placed correctly, expanded fully, etc. • 40 Male had MI totally out of the blue nearly
4 months ago apparently a mild one and had stent into rca., felt fine
first of all reassured by cardio consultant that everything else was
fine developed strange sensations about 6 weeks ago including sharp pain
in left side of chest and chest tightness. Re admitted did a stress test
totally clear and enzyme level, cholesterol level blood pressure all
fine. Up to now thought i was about to have another episode until i read
these postings which make me realise I'm not alone thanks all !!! my
drugs are the same as most aspirin, simvustatin, ramipril, atenolol and
plavix • There was someone who posted that he had a good
experience with EECP. I wonder if you could please respond to the following.
I did EECP once last year, all 35 treatments. It took two months, but
with no real success at all in removing my angina that I have had continuously
now for 18 months post stenting. But I have heard that the second attempt
at EECP sometimes works like a charm, and does help. What is your experience.
Did your first session help you at all, or did the second. You indicated
that you have done a session each year for 4 years. Just post or e-mail
me at j@jgreenwald.com Thanx. • I had 95% blockage in RCA received taxus stent
have been having chest pain milder and less frequent than before stent
but still there. My doctor states I shouldn't be having chest pain and
wants to do another cath to check it out, but I'm terrified because I
had complications (life-threatening) during the first procedure. And
I'm finding in your articles that this is a common problem. What should
I do? • 48yrM had one stent put in,about 8-9 months
later underwent gastric bypass surgery in USA. Had much chest pain afterwards
dismissed as gas pain from laparoscopy. Next morning, barely able to
breath or talk, ECG showed significant ST elevations, transferred to
large centre, had major MI of LAD. Stented again. Problems after coming
home with chest pain and had another angio...all looked OK. After about
8-9 months complained to Dr. that chest discomfort requiring nitro (often
2 shots) -- gives relief, very very tired and generally not well. Back
for another angio about 6wks ago and the same vessel (LAD) that has 2
stents in place has another 90% blockage directly above previous stent.
Restented and was told that I had "severe ventricular dysfunction" with
an Ejection Fraction (EF) of approx. 30%. Still having chest discomfort
after clearing this 90% blockage, felt like my heart was skipping beats
completely, beginning to worry that it was going to just STOP...."sudden
cardiac death". Had visit with cardiologist today and was told the missing
beats were actually the sensation caused by extra beats as the heart
resets itself. He assured me that it would start again because there
are several backup pacemakers in the heart. The discomfort could be from
inflammation in the vessel (constricts) from the angio procedure and
that this can take quite some time to resolve. Since the nitro helps
he has prescribed a low dose nitro patch which I will get tomorrow. Hoping
to feel better soon....so tired all the time. • Doreen, dry cough can be a side-effect of several
medications (and different patients experience side effects differently).
While it's not a commonly listed side-effect of Avapro, we have seen
references to dry cough from some patients on an interesting web site "Ask
A Patient" which just allows patients to post infformation about
drugs they are taking. Try looking at http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20757&name=AVAPRO • You asked if my husband was on ACE inhibitors
after angioplasty and 3 medicated stents being inserted. My husband is
on Metoprolol 25 mg; Plavix 75 mg; Aspirin 1 low dose per day; Lipitor
60 mg; Avapro 150 mg (half tab) He also takes cod liver oil 20 minims;
Calcium Magnesium; Ambrotose AO (which is a glyco-antioxidant supplement,
1 cap. I don't know if any of these are ACE inhibitors. He is doing very
well except for the dry cough which I feel is very tiring for him. Thank
you. • Doreen -- is your husband on an ACE inhibitor
like Lisinopril? If you use the "FIND" function on this web
page, you'll see several patients who complain of coughs. These may be
caused by ACE inhibitors, an oft-prescribed medication for heart patients.
One of the side-effects can be a dry cough. Discuss this with your doctor
and let us know. • My husband had an angioplasty and 3 stents inserted
on the day of his heart attack (within 3 hours)! He is well and has energy.
He does, however, have a dry cough. It has been worse when the humidity
is high and when he goes into our Toyota Corolla (new car in April).
Chewing gum does help but he was never a gum chewer and does not like
to chew gum. Have you any ideas or suggestions? thank you. • Ken -- that was quick -- thanks! • Regarding flow mediated restenosis, I have liked
and relied on the following main article: http://www.nature.com/labinvest/journal/v85/n1/full/3700215a.html --
Title:"The role of shear stress in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis",
by Cunningham and Gotlieb, in Laboratory Investigation (2005) 85, 9-23,
advance online publication, 29 November 2004; doi:10.1038/labinvest.3700215.
However, google searches on the terms "shear stress; atherosclerosis;
restenosis; endothelium; smooth muscle cells;" leads to 1000s of hits,
not all so applicable. This has lots of supporting info: http://www.fmtm.br/instpub/fmtm/discbiologiacelular/ED-Medicina/ED003.pdf --
titled "Arterial remodeling in atherosclerosis, restenosis and after
alteration of blood flow: potential mechanisms and clinical implications". • Ken -- good recommendations. And your whole
point about taking control is so important (and often very undervalued)
as a route to healing, both physically and mentally. Thanks for the very
helpful post. By the way, if you have links to the various articles you
mention about circulation turbulence and healing, we be most interested
in them. • I can relate to many/most of the posts in this
thread about not feeling well after stent placement. I had a stent on
May1 (it was a bifurcated lesion-across a junction with the main diagonal
off of the LAD), and the diagonal was blocked up by June 15. I had just
an angioplasty of the diagonal but had to have a stent placed there two
days later (artery rebound can really happen and quickly). To offer some
SENSE OF CONTROL, I have been very careful on diet (fish and chicken
only, veggies only, salad only, fruit, all healthy oils but still a reduced
fat diet), I have taken massive doses of every supplement known to help
the heart, as well as a regimen of standard Rx drugs. The supplements
I rely most on are green tea, grape seed, and pomegranate extracts along
with fish oil and VitC. I also altered my exercise to a "moderate" set
of simple exercise bike with heart rate NEVER exceeding 20 bpm above
resting or in my case, 85 bpm. I quit the standard cardiac rehab which
tries to get you to 80% of max heart rate. My reasoning is based on research
showing that turbulent flow (caused in most part by higher velocities
--- from a faster beating heart) can stimulate growth of unwanted cells
around the already fragile area of the stent placement. The Forum editors
think this is an interesting theory and said they were going to research
further; but i have already found several articles (no clinical studies)
which offer some supporting data. Net result is that now, at 5 weeks
post second stent, I am feeling great. Plenty of energy and no chest
discomfort nor residual arm pains (which was true for several weeks post
second stent). I want to pick up the weights and get back to resistance
training but have vowed to stick with the moderate bike exercise for
another couple of months. Everyone responds differently and my experience
might not be yours, but you will feel better and in more control the
more you read and study on the net and the more you take concrete steps
(like supplements and proper exercise) to help your heart heal. • Annie -- you submitted your post as a new topic
titled, "Stent Implants and Fear", but we've taken the liberty
of putting it in this existing topic -- I think you'll see others very
worried post-stent, and also some experiences with "Post Cardiac
Depression", which can also manifest as fear. This is not to say
that any symptoms you're having are all "in your head", but
read through these posts -- most recently Nyamati's from July 15, 2006.
Maybe knowing you're not alone can be of some comfort. Certainly any
specific symptoms should be reported to your doctor. Sounds like you've
done this and we're assuming the results of your followup Thallium scan
and CT did not show a problem. As for dye, yes, iodine-based dye can
cause allergic reactions, but they would tend to be immediate and not
so much after-the-fact. Certainly all meds have side-effects as well.
We agree with you that you might want to try some non-drug way to reduce
your anxiety. Try relaxation exercises. We know of a book and method
called the "The Relaxation Response" which might be helpful
-- it was developed by Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School. Google
it and you might get more info. Also, you might want to release the
CAPS LOCK when you're posting -- although it does give the impression
that you're shouting, which might help you feel better! Good luck, and
keep us posted on how things progress. • THIS IS MY FIRST
TIME TO POST. I HAD 3 STENTS PUT IN THE LAD ON JULY 6,2006. IT IS ALL
I CAN THINK ABOUT. I FEEL LIKE I'M NEVER GOING TO BE THE SAME PERSON
AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE ER. I HAVE CALLED MY DOCTOR 3 OR 4 TIMES
ALREADY WITH WORRY ABOUT MEDS AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH. HE GAVE ME A STRESS
TEST LAST WEEK WITH THALIUM AND RESTING INSTEAD OF TREADMILL. I HAD DYE
INJECTED THAT DAY. I ALSO HAD C-SCAN OF CHEST YESTERDAY WITH DYE IN ER.
NOW I'M WONDERING IF ALL THIS DYE CAN BE HURTING ME ALSO.. I ALSO AM
WONDERING IF I HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO HEAL INSIDE FROM THE STENTS. ANY
HELP YOU CAN GIVE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. SHOULD I WORRY SO MUCH.
I DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY MEDS FOR NERVES. I ALSO HAVE SEVERE REFLUX,A
HERNIA AND GASTRIATIS. I THINK ALL THE NEW MEDS I AM TAKING IS MAKING
THIS WORST,BECAUSE OF MY WORRYING. I ALSO HAVE MILD ASTHMA. • Nyamati -- excellent advice to all!! And thanks
for the compliment. • I am 67, with 3 taxus stents in the third month.
Almost all of the sufferings post stenting is common to most of us. No
need to get unduly upset unless it is totally unbearable. We are no longer
the same prior to stenting and this is to be clearly understood. Different
complications that arise are due to interactions of drugs and they act
differently to each one of us. Most of them will subside or disappear
over a period of time. We must get the literature of the drug from Pharmacist
which clearly mention side effects which we suffer. The feeling that
we were far better prior to stenting is indisputably true and one should
go for intrusive treatment only after all other remedies are exhausted.
Of course we must admit we have accepted the risk prior to angioplasty/bypass.
Be bold and nurse no fear, most of the problems will resolve themselves.
Don't stop essential medication such as clopidogrel, aspirin and watch
out BP before you reduce your dosage of other prescriptions. When in
doubt contact your physician. This site is a true healer of angi brigade. • I had an MI in 1989, triple bypass in 1994,
7 stents in 1998 and 3 stents 4 days ago. I am 56 yrs old. I am getting
out of breath with minimal exertion and am wondering if its anxiety,
a change in meds, the coating from the stents or a to be expected recuperating
period. Any feedback is appreciated. • Nat,
What is an investigational stent? I had a Cordis Cypher stent in Sept/05
and I was nauseous and dizzy for a few days. It turned out to be caused
by Lisinopril. I was OK a few days after my doctor switched me to Toprol.
I am surprised you don't know what stent they put in. They gave me a card
to put in my wallet with the brand, model & size of my stent as well as
paperwork with the same info as part of my exit papers when I left the
hospital. • Had three stents in LAD to cover 4 blockages about
11 months ago. Have developed Atrial Fibrilation which is something I did
not have pre-stents. Wonder if this is related to stenting. Any info would
be appreciated. Wonder if the forum has any statistics on this issue? To
prevent clots Dr. has added coumadin to my daily meds. • D., Washington State, USA, June 5, 2006. I just
read your posting. Your problem started kind of early. You are most likely
suffering from what my shrink says is Post Cardiac Depression with an Anxiety
disorder. I have gone through 9 angioplasties (15 Stents) in the last 33
months. I was just told I am not a candidate for a CABG. It's my guess
the anger (which I have also) is due to the feeling that you are not in
control of what is happening. I know this to be true in my case. I am on
medication and it helps some, but not completely. My advice is seek help
and perhaps it will help you deal with the situation you are in. Your doctor
should have advised you what to do. I start therapy next week, as I have
become a complete A-Hole. I'm the guy everyone came to for answers . .
. and now, I can't figure out how to stop my heart from failing. Hang in
there and good luck. • I had a quadruple bypass at age 38, a stent at
age 43, and two Taxus stents on Mar. 31 this year at age 44; I never felt
quite right after that, though I gave it a few weeks thinking it was a
stamina thing. The stenting did greatly reduce the acid reflux symptoms
though. Anyway, on Mother's Day (45 days later) I went to the ER after
a middle-of-the-night episode of extreme throbbing pain across the left
collarbone and shoulder. My triponin enzyme level was 3.06, indicating
I was in the middle of an MI event. Treated, transported to a major hospital,
I was given another stent the next day, just down from one of the two March
'06 stents in the circumflex diagonal. Since that stent, I have struggled
with: UNABLE TO SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT TWINGES OR TIGHTNESS of short duration
MOOD SWINGS and CRYING EASILY FRUSTRATION OVER LACK OF STAMINA but i am
told this is all normal and I just need to be patient and give this more
time, it's only been three weeks. I am told that those of us with these
procedures need to manage our disease day-by-day, but I just want to know
WHEN WILL I FEEL MORE ENERGY ? and is there a normal anything, or is our
recovery different for every person ? I am 44, and sure that heart disease
is going to kill me within a year or two.....I have dreams of having a
heart attack and dying. I dread sleeping at night. I have quit everything
I was involved in, because I was being mean to people. Can anyone relate,
and can anyone point me to a re-conditioning plan besides walking a little
more each day ? I am obese, Type II diabetic. • My husband had an investigational
stent put in in March and he did great for about 4 days and then he starting
acting strange and having pain in his chest again. His arms went numb and
he felt dizzy. We don't know what stent it is nor are we told. We have
talked with our cardio and neuro dr.s and done cat scans, doppler on carotid
and eeg. What is going on? He gets confused and mean at times now,this
is not his normal personality. I want my husband back. Any thoughts? • To all those in question my husband had 2 heart
attacks in 6 weeks . He felt there was something not right . His primary
complaint was jaw tension and pulling sensation going down neck. Also chest
heaviness dull pain or pressure and slight shortness of breath. Belching
was also present both times. He had 2 stents put in on april 9/06 . After
that time he was sent home and has had on and off the same symptoms as
when he had the first heart attack. Not all the symptoms but many. Doctors
said not to worry . We decided to vacation at our home in florida as doctor
advised 4 weeks after should be no problem. We took all info with us and
went . He began getting alot of symptoms second day of vacation went to
er. Everything checked out enzymes normal ekg normal. Ready to release
him after a stress test nuclear He experienced horrible pain in neck and
told doctor to stop. They did not he passed out after test. They called
code blue he got sharp pain through chest to shoulder . They took blood
test and he had a heart attack. They rushed him to another hospital and
did cath said nothing wrong. No the stent was fine no blockage anywhere
. We went back home went to our doctors because of episodes that 3 nitro
did not help. mostly neck pulling and jaw tightness and heaviness in chest
not really pain more pressure. They said nothing wrong all checks out sent
us home. Next night same problem called 911 same results doctors made him
feel it was all in his head. We the next day went to mt sinai hospital
, doctor gave another cath and put new stent into artery 70% blocked. My
husband does not have neck pain or jaw pain at all. I do have to say he
is feeling a tightning that everyone seems to describe and a shooting pain
sharp but short through chest. He is also very tired. I do believe they
missed the 70% blockage in between the 1st and second heart attack so I
believe you should leave no stone unturned if in your gut you are not satisfied.
We will be calling the doctor who put the last stent in tomorrow to explain
the symptoms my husband is having to make sure these symptoms are normal.
I hope I could help someone out there. My husband felt a little better
to hear so many have tightning feeling and some discomfort after stent,
just to not feel alone in this battle is comforting. • I am a 49 year old nurse who had a stent implanted
on May 1st 2006 for a 90% blockage of my IVA artery. Almost one month later
I still experience chest pain discomfort and pinching. I read that it may
be due to overexpansion of the artery.... After reading some comments,
I am glad to know that this is somewhat common. I will be visiting my cardiologist
tomorrow. This has not prevented me of resuming my exercising program. • Update to May
7, 2006 entry. I had a cardiac cath performed 2 weeks ago that showed
95% blockage proximal to my previous stent placed 6 months ago. The stent
was clear; but the proximal vessel was locked. Another stent was placed.
My MD states additional blockages occur in 1% of cases. I did not have
acid reflux. This was a diagnosis of exclusion after a negative Stress
Test and Echo and 'mildly abormal" EKGs. The lessons to be learned are:
Doctors, listen to your patients carefully (When nitro takes the burning
chest pain away 5 minutes after its use, it is unlikely it was acid reflux)
and patients -- persist in talking to your doctor about the specifics
of your symptoms. My persistance and a doctor who really listened saved
my life. • I am a 64 year old female
and had angioplasty in Feb. following M.I. 2 weeks previously. From day
one I had tightness of the chest and pain in places I didn't expect. Shoulder,
around heart and heaviness, hollowness beneath sternum. As I was discharged
from hospital the following day without seeing a Dr.-- a mistake I fear
-- my GP has been trying to deal with this, he was sure it was gastric,
but Omeprazole has done nothing despite increased dose, so I stopped that
last week . My heart rate average 50 increases with exercise so ECG by
GP was normal and I have to admit that the pain isn't quite so bad since
the I.S.M.N. has been increased. I think Slozem made me feel worse and
as my GP put me back on this (the cardiologist had discontinued it after
inserting stent) I felt justified in stopping that too since it seems to
be a case of 'physician heal thyself'. Good to read all the letters because
now I know I am not the only one to experience problems and have yet to
have any follow up with cardiologist but have just received a letter for
cardiac rehabilitation starting June. Thank you for this site it has been
a great comfort. • 75 year old male. had 5 stents w/o problems and
had additional two after six weeks.. now has pain, fluttering, heaviness.
had er visit and recatheterization. told he is fine. what to do? • I was experiencing burning
discomfort in my chest when I took walks. A cardiac cath showed 90% blockage
of LAD & a Taxus stent was "tightly squeezed in". I was put on the usual
meds: Plavix, Asa, Toprol, & Vytorin in addition to my Glyburide. After
a few weeks I got sudden sharp pain in my calf to the point I needed a
cane to walk. Dopplers & MRI were negative. That got better & then severe
knee pains started. After a visit to an orthopedic MD who blamed the pain
on arthritis, my MD took me off Vytorin for 2 weeks. My knees are much
better & I started walking again. I experienced an episode of burning pain
about 4 weeks ago when I was just sitting watching TV. Since it was the
first chest discomfort I had since the stent placement, I became very concerned & went
to the ER, even though it seemed to be relieved by one spray of Nitro.
After "negative Stress Test and Echo" and "normal ekg's and blood work" they
dx'd it as acid reflux & put me on Prilosec. Now I am getting burning pain
in my chest after walking 2 blocks which is relieved with one spray of
Nitro. I wonder if there can be a blockage or if I could be having a reaction
to the stent. I really have not felt well since its placement. My wife
says I often "look Grey". • Had one stent put in (Cypher-Sirolimus), after
finding of one blockage of 99% and one of 80%. Has been 6 days, each day,
sleep more, have less energy, pain in right side, have less breath. Also
taking 75mg. of Plavix., don't like want I read about complaints on this
drug. • I had a taxus stent on Dec. 2005. I am still experiencing
off and on angina pain, which has led me to be in the hospital three times
since my MI. My biggest concern now is that after the last episode, my
cardiologist says that it is not heart related and must have something
to do with my stomach, because I had been diagonised with gerd prior to
MI. I am seeking information from anyone who had high level gastric enzymes
prior to their heart attack. Normal levels are considered to be 100 or
below.. MY levels were over 1500 when I had my attack. They dropped back
to normal levels after I had my MI but I have been experiencing severe
chest pains lately and my levels are back up to critical levels. Any one
else having this type of issue? • I had angioplasty and one stent in September 2006
and for a few days afterwards I had nausea, cough, fluttering feeling and
felt tired all the time. It turned out to be caused by Lisinopril. Once
the doctor changed that to Toprol XL, I was fine within 2-3 days. • Michael, what did your cardiologist say about
your low BP and meds? You're on a diuretic, beta-blocker & ACE inhibitor,
all of which are anti-hypertensive (they lower blood pressure). If you
have any questions, you should discuss your medical management with your
cardiologist. Don't decide to stop or cut back on any prescription without
discussing it with him/her. Let us know the followup. • I had four stents put in on aug.1 2005. I have
had pains in my chest that has not left since the operation. I also get
lightheadness and shortness of breath I did not have this before the oper.The
meds that I am on are lipitor 10mg, plavix 75mg, pepcid 20mg, lisinopril
40mg, toprol xl 25mg hydrochlorothi 25mg I think the meds have dropedp
my blood presure down to low. I went to my Dr. today and it was 100/60
pulse was 58. This is to low for me. I would like to know what is causing
the pain in my chest. Hope you can help me. thank you • My friend had last week two stents put in his
coronary arteries. The doctor never discussed the stents and he still doesn't
know what kind he has. But - after stenting, he has pain in his chest on
his left side which goes to his shoulder blade. In the hospital (he was
hospitalized again after stenting, his enzyme Troponin was elevated but
went down to 0.17 from 0.75) they gave him morphine and that helped but
after the hospitalization, he still has a slight pain. Is this normal?
The doctor could not tell why. Is this normal or he should worry about
it? Thank you very much. Katarina • For all of the patients who do not feel well after their angioplasty/stenting: There is another FDA approved, CMS reimbursed non-invasive, painless treatment option for the Class III and IV angina which is seen in ischemic heart disease caused by poor circulation and/or blocked or partially blocked arteries. The treatment is called Enhanced External Counterpulsation or EECP. It requires 35 hours of treatment. One hour a day, 5 days a week for 7 weeks and it is very effective at increasing collateral circulation naturally so that the angina symptoms and the ischemia of the heart, in about 80% of treated patients, may show significant improvement (by 1 class or more) as a result of improved oxygen delivery from the therapeutic angiogenesis or increased collateral circulation it stimulates. It has been referred to, quite accurately, as a "natural bypass". The treatment has the unique advantage of improving endothelial function or total vascular homeostasis (proper balance and functioning)and that is something, to my knowledge, that is not improved by any kind of invasive procedure. I have read that one of the factors that can contribute to or aggravate the problem of restenosis is ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION. Today, as I understand it, increasing credibility is given to the view that ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION will often, if not always, precede the development of impaired circulation, blockages etc., which cause the heart attacks, strokes and --- death. Cardiology today, is amazingly effective at correcting these blockages with CABG procedures and now more commonly with drug eluting stents but aside from getting a lecture on cardiac risk factors and monitoring blood lipids and hypertension --- they do not really pay attention to ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION. Most physicans will not attempt to measure for it even though it's not that hard to do. So, if you're feeling badly after being stented and restented, you might want to speak to your doctor about the overall health of your vascular system and whether pre-existing and untreated ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION is actually preventing you from getting the maximum benefits from the stenting procedures you continue to get. You might point out to your doctor that MAYO Clinic studies,
among others, have confirmed EECP's potential for reversing this ENDOTHELIAL
DYSFUNCTION. Another recent 2 year study has shown revascularized patients
who also then receive EECP have significantly fewer complications and compaints
including restenosis, shortness of breath, etc., than the other revascularized
group that did not receive EECP. For more detailed information about the
treatment go to www.eecp.com and
you may also scroll down on the forum topics here to "Experiences with
Enhanced External Counterpulsation". Disclosure: I was diagnosed with ischemic
heart disease, angina (shortness of breath) and congestive heart failure
and PAD. I have received EECP treatments yearly for 4 years and will continue
to take them annually. I am quite satisfied with the results and continue
to improve. • I did have these same symptoms in Feb. 2005, but
they seems to lessen w/time and hydration, but no luck this time. • Joseph, it wouldn't seem to be an issue with a
stent from 18 months ago, assuming your symptoms just began recently, and
at the same time as your pneumonia. But you're doing the right thing to
be tested. Let us know how you fare. • I had a stent put in on Oct. 27, 2004. I have
had no issues until I got the flu in March of 2006. It supposedly progreseds
to pneumonia, now possibly Bacterial infection. BUT I am suffering from
shortness of breath, headaches, low blood pressure, and general malaise.
I am taking antibiotic but no help. I am concerned it's stent issue. I
have Nuclear stress test scheduled. • We are getting stories of distress, but with only
one exception, no story to show relief or when we can expect to return
to normal. I had my 4 DES stents put in two days ago, April 20, and i am
short breath, a little light headedness and some twitching and tightness
in the chest. I was also put on a beta blocker in addition to plavix and
my pre-operation meds (Norvasc, aspirin, diovan, Lipitor and Nexus for
the stomach). From others i want to know when they saw relief from these
symptoms. Why, because i am trying to figure out if some of this is from
the beta blocker. My Ck-mb on discharge showed 27.1 which i don't know
how to read but indicates some snow plow effect on smaller vessels. Anyway,
it's fine to hear the stories of distress, because that means we are not
alone, but i want to hear the results of any relief, so i get an idea of
courses of action and timing. thank you all. • Thank you for your unexpected response! I can't
tell you how helpful your forum has been, as we have had no information
about any possible side-effects or sequelae at all. Have a very good Easter
too. • Here's a suggestion. (And remember, we are NOT
medical doctors and cannot out medical advice -- for that you really need
to speak with a physician -- every patient is different and it is crucial
to determine their clinical condition in person). That being said, it sounds,
especially with the breathing difficulties and the lump in throat, like
there might be some type of allergic reaction. A very small percentage
of patients are allergic to the stent or the coating, but heart patients
are on many different drugs and some of these cause side effects or allergic
reactions in some people. Certain blood pressure meds can cause coughs,
statins can produce muscle ache, etc. Look up the adverse effects of each
medication your husband is on and see if that helps. But, if you're having
pain and increasing angina, definitely call the interventional cardiologist,
preferably the one who did his stent, and report the symptoms. And don't
stop taking any of the antiplatelet meds (plavix, ticlid, aspirin) without
discussing it with your cardiologist first. Hope this helps a bit and that
you can have a good holiday weekend. • My husband had a CoStar drug-eluting stent to
the bifurcation of his circumflex 10 days ago in London. He was started
on clopidogrel and felt fine and had very good exercise tolerance on discharge
4 days later. At 7 days, however, he started with an atypical angina-type
pain on exertion and at rest, central high back pain, a burning sensation
in his heart, a constant 'lump in throat' sensation and sporadic asthma-like
bronchial constriction with wheeze. He was not given any information about
what to expect, and this has made him feel anxious and pretty low. This
forum has been the only source of information I have found over an Easter
weekend with no-one to ask. Many thanks, and any advice gratefully received. • I am a 57 yr. old female who had 5 stents placed
in various arteries after a minor heart attack 14 months ago. I had a lot
of "fluttering" before the attack and a lot more the first few days after
the angioplasty. I also had annoying bouts of angina particularly if I
walked outside in the cold and still occasionally have the fluttering (depending
on how much rest I get) Rehab was a god-send and helped a lot with the
angina and fluttering and lack of confidence I had post-heart attack. Over
the past 14 months I've started feeling much better. I have always been
an exerciser and on a low fat diet because of my genes so I cannot claim
that either of those habits have changed anything. I think it just takes
more time than we would like to recover from this procedure and/or heart
attack. 7 or 8 months ago, I was convinced I would never feel well again.
I still occasionally have angina especially after walking upstairs or up
a hill, and more in the cold than in warm weather. I have numbness in both
arms when I lay on either side and often wake up with one or the other
hand "asleep". I get dizzy when I stoop over and stand up again. Since
the stents were inserted I have a foreign feeling in my chest all the time...like
wearing dentures might feel, or wearing a toupee or a hearing aid. I'm
on statins,a beta blocker and blood thinners as most of us post-angioplasty
patients are. The first 6 months after the procedure I was very fatigued
but am less so since my cardiologist changed my beta blocker meds. However,
I still require more sleep than I did pre-heart attack and I take a short
nap daily because it helps me stay awake past 8 pm. Despite these complaints,
I'm feeling better and I write my experiences here to encourage anyone,
especially new angioplasty patients, to be patient and give yourself time
to heal. You may never feel like you did before the procedure, but you'll
at least become accustomed to the odd sensations you may have as a result
of this procedure and you will begin to feel better as time passes. Take
care of yourselves. • I am a 50yr old female professional, who had emergency
angioplasty 6 weeks ago. Whereas my physical recovery is good, I have not
slept well since the op. I realise that most of this is psychological,
as well as coming to terms with a medical adjustment - and seeing a stress
management councillor has helped. However, I still think the reason why
I am afraid of listening to my own heartbeat at night, and get spooked/stressed
easily, is due to the fact that I was fully conscious when the op was being
performed - and the scare of seeing my own heart being operated on, was
so great that perhaps I am suffering from post traumatic shock? Has anyone
else suffered this? Another question, from a formally dynamic and active
person is, will this impact on intimate relationships or in 'having fun'?
How long does it take to resume 'normal' activity and forget/relax about
the sound of one's heart thumping? Decent answers please. • Scott (and others) -- pain is subjective and some
people feel it more than others. That being said, I have seen angioplasties
done where a major blockage was opened up resulting in a significant increase
in blood flow, thus potentially averting a future heart attack. But in
the process a very small side branch of a coronary artery got blocked up
-- the result was that the patient experienced pain from that very small
side branch -- not alot, but it was there. Some research has shown that
even when angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery have opened up (revascularized)
the major arteries, if the small branches or micro-circulation remain blocked,
pain (angina) persists. One possible cure for this is in the area of angiogenesis,
where genetic material is delivered to the heart, new blood vessels "grow" and
the micro-circulation increases, relieving pain. A number of angiogenesis
trials are currently underway -- it is too early to say definitely that
it is "the answer", but it is a new technology and may provide
a new therapeutic option. Angioplasty.Org will continue to report on this
news and is planning to create a special section on Angiogenesis.. • I am a 46 year old male who underwent angioplasty
and stent placement in Nov. 05. Have similar complaints re: on and off
chest and left sided back discomfort. Discomfort is more of an ache than
a sharp shooting pain, discomfort is a 2-3 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being
worst. Also, feel discomfort in portions of left arm and some tingling
in the jaw. Did not have this discomfort/feelings before angioplasty. Cardiologist
and internist have thus far not been able to attribute pain to any particular
issue other than being of possible musculoskeletal origin. They do not
believe the complaints relate to stent interaction with vessel (nerve related).
It appears that this discomfort is consistent with what other contributors
are feeling. I question whether what I am feeling relates to Lipitor med.,
stress, muscle strain, restenosis (last echocardiogram/stress test normal)
or other etiology. Maybe with chorus of concerns from this site and others,
some individual or entity will undertake a study of these post angioplasty
complaints. • Had Taxus Express stent implanted 1/28/2006 in
circumflex. Taking 75mg Plavix, 25mg Metoprolol, 10mg Benazapril, 81mg
Aspirin. Been having sharp back pain on right side as well as stomach pain.
Also, lately been having a hard time sleeping. Could this be from the meds
or have the meds caused an ulcer? Any advice would be appreciated. • What are the common side effect of angioplasty?
There seems to be all sorts of complaints following (as per this forum)
but most Dr's simple advice that "you should be feeling so much better
after". Are there medical reasons for the fluttering, the chest pain, the
pinching sensation, the tightness in the chest, the pain in the left arm
and shoulder, the lightheadedness, the general upper chest discomfort...all
the these symptoms seem to be a common thread of post stenting. Your comments
would be appreciated. • This is an update to my earlier
post. After another trip to the ER for chest pain, lightheadedness,
nausea and a subsequent angiogram I broke down in my primary care doctor's
office and said you have to fix this. He put me on 30mg Cymbalta. It
has done WONDERS. I was having a constant nagging pain in my heart/chest/shoulders
ever since my stent placement. After about 4-5 days of Cymbalta all pain
is gone and I haven't had a blue day since. Just a thought to others
who are having similar issues. • Kathryn -- a listing of adverse
reactions to Lipitor can be found in the prescribing information
(required by FDA) on the Lipitor website. If you scroll down to "musculoskeletal
system", you'll see that adverse reactions of this type that were
serious enough to discontinue therapy occurred in 2 or 3 out of 100 patients
in the clinical trials. These reactions are not unknown across the drug
class of statins. Pfizer
specifically warns that you "should tell your doctor if you
feel any new muscle pain or weakness. This could be a sign of serious
muscle side effects." That being said, statins are very beneficial
for many patients and we always strongly advise patients not to stop
taking any prescribed medications without discussing it with their cardiologists
or doctors. • To those who are experiencing severe muscle aches
and are on lipitor -- it's the culprit. The higher the dose the sooner
you'll have problems. Nearly all the doctors know about this according
to my internist. I have had 2 angioplasties (1999 and March 2006). There
is normally a feeling of heaviness and a few palpitations for a few weeks
after the procedure. After my first one my cardiologist did many tests,
and told me that nearly all his stent patients reported similar symptoms. • I had a HA w/ 100% blockage in RCA back in February
2000. 1st successful angioplasty a year later, placed 3 stents in RCA and
was good for a month and then it closed back up it was the older style
stent, without meds. Lats year they placed 3 med stents after finding significant
blockage in my LAD, so far so good. 6 months til my next nucluer stress
test. Biggest problem since HA can't take that full deep breath off air
I used to before HA. I think a huge part of recovery is your immediate
family which in my case the support is null. I have one question; how long
do these stents last and I guess once they close up like my RCA did then
the next step would be bypass? Has anyone heard of any developments in
stem cell research as a solution for clogged arteries? Does anybody believe
that coronary artery disease can be cured through changing life style habits.
like Dr. Gary Null suggests. Wouldn't it be great! • For months I had been experiencing a burning sensation
in my throat and non-descript pain in the left arm. Several trips to the
ER and the primary Doctor interpreted this as angina and possible heart
attack. EKG, O2, treadmill and enzymes tests were all normal or negative
for heart attack. Onset of the burning decreased from about a minute of
brisk walking down to going from the bedroom to the kitchen over the period
of 2 months. Age 50, no family history, non-smoker, slightly high cholesterol
with a healthy diet about 10 lbs overweight. Finally made to the ER with
continuous chest and arm pain. Angiogram showed 95% and later 100% blockage
in the RCA. 2 Taxus stents (medicated) were placed Feb 8th. I m on Atenolol
25mg, Plavix 75mg, Pepcid 20mg, Zocor 40mg. No indication of heart damage.
Starting with the first night I have experienced daily chest pain which
can be a low continuous dull ache, occasional chest pressure up to a burning
chest sensation and light headedness strong enough that put me back twice
in the ER for examination while on travel .I have had several fluttery
chest sensations in the months following the procedure and chest twinges
daily. All tests have been negative and most of the doctors feel what ever
it is it s not killing me in the short term. Nitro seems to have little
or no effect. Lorazepam 0.5mg seems to calm me and reduce the frequency
and severity of the pain. No problem passing a stress test or 30 minute
exercise sessions to date. My cardiologist feels I just need to get over
it. ER Doctor suggested getting scoped again. • I had a heart attack about 6 months ago at age
52 and had one stent put in due to 100% blockage. I am taking Plavix (75mg)
with aspirin (81mg), Metoprolol (25mg) and Vytorin (10/20mg). During the
first 90 days, I realy could not do much. I was always out of breath, light
headed and sleepy. Then I attended a rehab 3 times a week for six weeks
and everything changed. Whatever you do make sure to go through a rehab
session after a heart attack. Primarily because it builds confidence. Getting
hooked up and monitored while exercising for 3 hours a week does wonders
to the mind. All those funny little pains and burning sensations that I
used to feel, blaming my medicines for not feeling good etc. kind of went
away. Being physicaly conditioned feels great (and I have not been exercising
for over 15+ years!) I truly believe that the biggest damage from a heart
attack is in ones head (off course excluding legitimate complications).
I try not to wory about the side effects, or little pains here or there
anymore...important things is I am still alive and know a lot more about
how to take care myself now than I did before. I think the first 4-5 months
is the hardest then things get better. • I have had 2 stents put in 12/05 and 2 stents
put in 2/06 due to chest discomfort. I am still feeling chest discomfort
and some shortness of breath. I actually felt better before I had any of
the stents put in. I have another artery behind my heart that is 60% blocked,
could this be the problem and is it safe to have angioplasty/stents close
to each other and exposure to radiation. • I am 58 years old and 10 months ago I had a stent
to my LAD. It has caused me lots of trouble. Since then i have had 7 cardiac
caths, and am to have another March 23 , because of scar tissue that has
recurred in my stent for the second time. This will probably mean Coronary
Bypass Surgery. Is anyone else having this kind of problem? I have lots
of chest pain that exceeds 6-7 at times. My angioplasty to suppress scar
tissue from my stent was in 12-05. Seems to me it recurred very fast. • Tim -- if you are not feeling well, always consult
with your cardiologist. Let us know what you find out. • I'm a 42 year old Aussie guy who is overweight
and has high blood pressure. I had two stents put in about three weeks
ago and haven't seen cardiologist again, but am now not sleeping well and
feel like a tightness is developing in my chest and some shortness of breath.
Is this NORMAL? • Hi i was 34 yrs old when i had pain going down
my right arm and i was throwing up and lightheaded. I went to the emergency
room where they did blood work and an EKG right away. Thank god they did
-- I was having a heart attack. They acted fast so I am still here. The
heart attack happened while i was in ICU. The next morning I was rushed
to a hospital closer to the city to have a catheterization done and I had
a stent implanted. I was in the hospital 1 week. After coming home I was
on plavix, Zocor, topral, wellbutrin, aspirin and a blood pressure enhancer
medication. I was recovering when I start having a reaction to the plavix.
I had a very itchy, red rash under the skin all over my body. I was immediately
taken off the medication. Then after a week or so i went on to a different
blood thinner ticlopidine -- then shortly after I started have severe muscle
pain, cramps, body weakness, weight loss after several months and no one
knew why. I stopped the zocor and pains went away for a few weeks. Then
they came back worse finally I couldn't take it. I found a new primary
doctor who after the first visit knew what was wrong with me. It turns
out I was having thyroid problem. I had my blood tested and found out I
have an over active thyroid. I then went to an endocrinologist and I had
the iodine uptake test and then had the radioactive treatment AND NOW I
AM STARTING TO FEEL better 8 weeks later....On May 1st it will be a year
since my heart attack...and i am finally feeling better...my only concern
right now is I need dental work done and I am waiting for my cardiologist
to call me to let me know what i have to do to get ready for my visit to
my dentist. • I am a 56 year old male and I had two TAXUS stents
inserted in September of 2004 after experiencing what I thought was "heartburn".
My RCA was 90% blocked. I've had low level "heartburn" ever since the procedure.
It never goes away and doesn't seem to vary in intensity and I work out
at least four days a week for about an hour. That's my only symptom. I've
complained to my cardiologist and we've done a couple of myocardial perfusion
studies (at rest and stressed) and they both say I'm fine. So the he says
it's not my heart and suggested I have a GI doctor do an esophagal endoscopy.
I did that and he found a little redness near the valve to the stomach
and prescribed Protonix. That did nothing at all so he switched me to Nexium
and that did nothing also. So it's been more than a year after my stent
procedure and I still have the heartburn pain, I guess I just have to learn
to live with it(?) • Hello Forum: I am 59 years and on 13 October 2005
I had a cardiac arrest during a loop test in the hospital. I had angina
pectoris -- not enough oxygen. 2 days later I got a stent 18mm long in
the AMC in Amsterdam. But in January I felt chest pain and had a catheterization
-- the stent appeared to have slipped, so on 6 March 2006 I got a 24mm
Endeavor MT drug-eluting stent. Someone can tell me the something concerning
these stents? Doctor didn't tell me anything more. • I am a 57 year old female who had a Taxus stent
placed on 12/20/05. Because I had such a severe MI, it has been a rather
slow healing process. I ended up going into the emergency room last week
because of chest pains that have been occurring frequently, but not really
hurting that bad. Then the pains started getting more acute, and after
taking 3 nitros, called 911. Was in the hospital for 2 days, and they did
another heart cath, but nothing has shown up. I am going to see my cardiologist
today for a follow-up and one of the things I want to address is the number
of complaints that I have read on these boards regarding pain after a stent.
I wonder if the medical profession is not paying attention to this particular
problem because they are not aware that so many of us are having issues.
It would be interesting to see if there are any studies that are being
done. • I had a stent 3 weeks ago I still have some discomfort.
Is this normal? • I had LAD stent (drug eluting) placed on Feb 15.
and have had pinching pains ever since in the left breast area. Last night
it was so intense I decided to go to the emergency room. Everything checked
out OK but there was no answer for what caused the pain. Several guesses
but nothing concrete other than it wasn't my heart. I'm scheduled for a
non-nuclear stress test next Wed then rehab if the test is OK. • I had a stent placed in the LAD a week ago. I've
experienced intermittent chest tightness and lightheadedness ever since.
So glad to see the other posts and learn I'm not alone and most likely
it's not a critical problem. For me the lightheadness is the more worrisome
issue as I find it hard to work and it may force me into retirement. Any
further posts on lightheadness would be welcome. The cardiologist doesn't
think it's a cardiac problem -- I think it may be an effect of the wild
mix of meds I'm on. Does anyone know if extended use of Plavix is related
to lightheadness? • B.G. - it is doubtful that three years later,
the leg pain symptoms you report have anything to do with a problem from
the earlier procedure. But your leg pain might indicate some peripheral
disease -- the same disease that blocks the coronary arteries can manifest
in other places: legs, kidney, carotids, etc. A high level of chest pain
is always something you should have looked at by your doctor. • I have had two stents in left artery almost three
years ago.. I am experiencing high level of pain in stent area..and lower
leg...anyone else have this problem this long after intervention? • I found this site by accident. I am 50 years old
and had two stents inserted on February 7. My only symptoms prior to procedure
was shortness of breath on my treadmill. since stent insertion - my chest
feels like a small child is laying on it. Just a feeling of pressure -
not pain. Dr. is stumped. I also feel very fatigued by the afternoon every
day. I was very active before the procedure...played basketball and worked
on out treadmill. I only hope I can resume these activities. • Hi I am a 38yr F. I had
a heart attack out of the blue on Oct 10, 2005. Thank God for the emergency
room doctor who decided to keep me instead of just sending me home. She
saved my life. All EKG's were fine (even during the attack). My only indicator
was a very slight elevation in blood enzymes. After being admitted to the
hospital my subsequent blood work showed the enzymes rising. They cancelled
the treadmill and scheduled an angiography. Shockingly they found a 95%
blockage in the LAD (my cardiologist said that I really made him earn his
money that day). Two stents were placed (LAD & D2) because clearing the
LAD caused debris to clog the D2. Other than the one BAD blockage my heart
is clear. The doctors are still trying to figure out why I had such a bad
blockage. Everything on my blood-work was/is great & my cholesterol was/is
perfect. Everyone keeps telling me that I should be feeling great compared
to how I felt before. Problem is I didn't feel bad before. I had no idea
that I had a problem until the heart attack. Now I get tired very easily,
I bruise if someone looks at me too hard, my muscles hurt, I have a hard
time sleeping, and every little twinge in the chest area worries me. Doctor's
have decided that as a precaution they are going to lower my cholesterol
just in case I'm one of those "special people" who need to be below the
norm. I'm taking Plavix, Aspirin, Lipitor, Diovan, Metoprolol, Pepcid & a
Multi-Vitamin. I've succeeded in keeping upbeat and positive for my family's
sake. But when they're not around I slip into an anxious funk and have
episodes where I can hardly keep the tears in check, especially when I'm
not feeling the greatest. I know there is no set answer but I'm ready to
start feeling like my old self again. • I have had a heart attack, quadruple bypass and
most recently, three stents placed. I've still had regular chest pain but
could usually control it with a nitro tablet. Now something different is
happening that is a little hard to describe. It's almost like my heart
is sore. If I take a deep breath or cough, it hurts just under my left
breast bone. I also can not lay down on my left side because that hurts.
It feels like it is my heart but maybe it is a lung or something else.
If it was a problem with a stent or something else with my heart wouldn't
it just hurt all of the time and wouldn't a nitro tablet make it quit? • I am 61 and had heart attack July 05. 3 Taxus
stents were implanted. some residual pain was experienced after the procedure
with increasing frequency over a 3month period.further investigation revealed
in stent restenosis in 1 stent.a further stent was placed inside the blocked
stent.this seems to have done the trick.however I continue to experience,on
most days, a raw and burning sensation in the chest and some sensitivity
accompanied by a tightening in the throat .This can occur at any time and
is not associated with exercise. I walk on an incline, I run, I cycle,
at a gym for approx 1 hr per day without ill effects. my meds are Plavix,beta
blockers,asprin,ace inhibitor,and Lipitor.the consultant on my case explained
that some stent patients experience this sort of nonspecific pain and discomfort
for up to a year after stenting.He had no explanation as to why. Sometimes
it worries me, but perhaps I will have to live with this for a while. For
the editor. I noticed a doctor in the uk has expereinced similar symptoms,
alex mellanby,london. posting 30/12/05. please pass him my email and ask
him if he would like to get in touch.maybe we can collaberate and help
each other. thanks • Had 3 stents done to cover 4 blockages mid 2005
and have not felt great since....was in the process of a cardiac rehab
program and was getting confidence back and one day out of the blue while
totally relaxed had an AFIB attack where heart rate went to 180 bpm. Taken
to ER where I was stabalised with iv drugs and put on blood thinner. Now
on coumadin and extra beta blockers and feeling dizzy and not a day goes
by where do I do not feel some sort of chest discomfort whether it is a
sharp pain or some sort of a dull pain....was given another Cath and all
was shown to be fine ......Bottem line is just not feeling well and very
nervous about the entire situation...Maybe its time for a second opinion
but truth is after a good cath result should accept the fact that its not
my heart but it sure feels like it is !!??.... • I had two Taxus stents placed in Sept. 2004. Ever
since I have had chest discomfort. The doctor dismissed it as anxiety caused
so they put me on Zoloft daily and Ativan as needed. When I first returned
from the hospital I was fatigued for months. Rehab helped some but looking
back at the records I kept I was ludicrously weak. I have quit smoking,
improved my diet and exercise regularly (30-40 mins/day) but the chest
discomfort never has left. It is very bad when I am tired or ill. It is
now well over a year. What can be causing this? • To the woman concerned about her
husband's sobbing: I'm 46. I had two stents inserted in late December.
My heart attack was minor and I'm feeling lucky to have found the problem
before it caused me real damage. Yet a first hard look at one's own mortality
is a bit frightening. As well, having to adjust self-perceptions is uncomfortable.
Add to that the physiological links that they say exist between heart
damage and emotions and it's easy to understand why I, like your husband,
cried some tears. It's also just purely frustrating to have such a major
event and to then find a thousand questions without answers bouncing
around inside your head. It's all hard. It's all manageable, and some
crying is not the worst that one could do. Apart from all those good
reasons to be upset, depression is said to be a very real risk after
heart attacks and worth discussing with the doctors. I hope your husband
does well. • I am 52Y male Ihad got fitted three stents, three
weeks back (on 23, Dec. 2005) two in LAD and one in RCA. I feel very weak
after this operation. I can not rest on any side, mean I can sleep only
straight. All my tests are normal. What type of exercise I should take?
What about my sexual relations? can it make any bad effect on my health? • Well it has been 9 months now and still not well.
As I type I am dizzy, have Dr. appointment today after yet another stress
test. Strange no pains for weeks and then all the old problems hit for
a few days and then go away? Its all new stuff and the Dr,s not sure what's
up so we set the rules of thumb! • My husband just came home
today from Angioplasty performed early yesterday. He had 90% blockage RCA.
He seemed in pretty good spirits today. We came home and had lunch then
we went and got his Rx's filled and got a few things at the grocery. We
came home and he took a nap for about 2 hrs. He seemed a little groggy
from the nap. Then suddenly he broke into uncontollable sobbing. He didnt
know what what wrong...just cried. Is this common? He has to go back for
a second round in a week or so. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. • I experienced mild chest pains and discomfort
for several days following my stent procedure (a single, drug-eluting stent
in my left anterior descending artery). I now feel fine, aside from occasional
light-headedness, which is likely attributed to my drug regime. Oddly,
none of my physicians had suggested that these symptoms may be experienced. |
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